Tomas Telis’ first home run against major league competition was a clear sign of his potential.

The Miami Marlins catcher took a pitch from Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer for a bomb to deep center in last season’s finale against the Washington Nationals. The homer off one of baseball's elite pitchers, coupled with a drive to improve his defense and command of the field, has garnered the attention of manager Don Mattingly, who may need a backup catcher early this season if A.J. Ellis’ injured hamstring continues to be an issue.

“Tomas has been good,” Mattingly said Monday ahead of the Marlins’ spring training game against the Braves. “Tomas, we feel like, has come a long way catching-wise from last year when we saw him. He’s a really hard worker, a good kid and can really hit.

“I think we wanted him to develop his catching skills and just handling the staff and running the game, so I’m really happy the way [he] has been working.”

After having his best year at the plate with Triple-A New Orleans last season (.310 batting average, six homers and 45 RBI), Telis was a September call-up. Coupled with a brief promotion in July, he played in 10 games for the Marlins and went 4-for-13 (.308). In the finale, he got a timely confidence boost heading into the offseason.

“That was a good day for me,” Telis said. “My first home run in the major leagues against Max Scherzer. ... I couldn’t believe that ball. We prepare, waiting for an opportunity and it came that day. I [didn’t] think that ball was going.”

CAPTION

Miami Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill discusses the team's thinking in trading Giancarlo Stanton to the New York Yankees, a deal that became official Monday, as well as the team's direction moving forward.

Miami Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill discusses the team's thinking in trading Giancarlo Stanton to the New York Yankees, a deal that became official Monday, as well as the team's direction moving forward.

CAPTION

Miami Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill discusses the team's thinking in trading Giancarlo Stanton to the New York Yankees, a deal that became official Monday, as well as the team's direction moving forward.

Miami Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill discusses the team's thinking in trading Giancarlo Stanton to the New York Yankees, a deal that became official Monday, as well as the team's direction moving forward.

Derek Jeter, former teammate Jorge Posada and wife Laura Posada discuss donations of furniture in collaboration with The Estates at Acqualina to aid hurricane victims in Puerto Rico and the Florida Keys.

Derek Jeter, former teammate Jorge Posada and wife Laura Posada discuss donations of furniture in collaboration with The Estates at Acqualina to aid hurricane victims in Puerto Rico and the Florida Keys.

CAPTION

Miami Marlins star Giancarlo Stanton was named NL MVP on Thursday, the first Marlin to win that award in franchise history. The honor comes after Stanton tallied 59 home runs and 132 RBI in 2017 and amid daily rumors that the Marlins will trade him.

Miami Marlins star Giancarlo Stanton was named NL MVP on Thursday, the first Marlin to win that award in franchise history. The honor comes after Stanton tallied 59 home runs and 132 RBI in 2017 and amid daily rumors that the Marlins will trade him.

CAPTION

Miami Marlins CEO Derek Jeter discusses the need and ways to increase the team's revenue, plus the trade rumors swirling about the Marlins and Giancarlo Stanton.

Miami Marlins CEO Derek Jeter discusses the need and ways to increase the team's revenue, plus the trade rumors swirling about the Marlins and Giancarlo Stanton.

Telis, 25, was acquired from the Rangers in the 2015 deadline deal that sent reliever Sam Dyson to Texas. This spring, he’s batted .308, driving in four runs on eight hits in 26 at-bats.

“I feel really good,” Telis said. “They gave me more opportunities. I try to do everything well. I just have to keep working on my defense. That’s my really big thing right now, but I feel really good, really healthy.”

The Marlins have noticed some of the strides Telis has made behind the plate, improving what had been one of the weaker areas of his game.

“Been with him for a couple years now. [It’s] good to see him grow as a catcher defensively,” Marlins starting catcher J.T. Realmuto said. “Sometimes he gets a little anxious back there and he just has to settle down and let the ball come to him. Sometimes you see him get a little antsy and he’ll try and catch the ball out in front instead of letting the ball travel to him. For him, he’s been working on that a lot and in the past two weeks, he’s gotten way better.”

Mattingly said Telis’ chances of making the 25-man roster out of camp are slim. The manager expects Ellis to be ready by Opening Day, but Mattingly noted that hamstring injuries can linger and that Miami could start the season with three catchers on the roster.

Photos from the Miami Marlins' spring training in 2017.

“I think a lot of times you would consider a three-man [catching staff], but that third guy is hard to carry if he can’t play another position,” Mattingly said.

Regardless of whether he makes the roster to start the season, Telis remains optimistic that his time in the majors will come again after a strong spring training.

“I have good numbers,” Telis said. “We can’t control [if I make the team.] I don’t care. I’m just going to go wherever they tell me to go, keep working on my game and be ready for when they call me.”